Fire Destroys Stone Roses Guitarist Squire's Artwork

Two art works painted by Stone Roses guitarist John Squire have been destroyed in a fire which also burnt his studio to the ground.

The fire broke out at Squire's home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, on Wednesday where he has a purpose-built studio which he uses to create his popular abstract artwork.

Fire investigators are still looking into what caused the blaze but it is believed that it started accidentally.

Vivienne Gaskin, Squire's agent, said the guitarist was "extremely sad" about losing the two artworks and his studio.
The two pieces which were destroyed were called Harry Houdini and Aileen Wournos and were from Squire's Celebrity series which went on show last summer.

Ms Gaskin said: "It could have been much much worse. He has got about four of the paintings from the collection in his home and the others have been sold.

"The studio was built near his home so his family were his main priority but they are all fine."

She added: "Knowing that they are safe, he is obviously extremely sad that these paintings have gone and he will now have to completely re-build the studio."

Mancunian Squire's Celebrity series included representations of serial killer Harold Shipman and Josef Fritzl, who held his daughter captive for 24 years.

It also included less controversial celebrities like film director Woody Allen, footballer David Beckham and Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental."
Earlier this year The Stone Roses reformed after an acrimonious split 16 years earlier, with sell-out gigs at Manchester's Heaton Park.